Online English Vocabulary Flashcards for Suffix -ance Words

abeyance (noun) /əˈbeɪəns/
Definition: A state of temporary suspension or inactivity, typically applied to legal rights, actions, or processes.
Example Sentence: "The project was put in abeyance while they looked for more funding."
Synonyms: dormancy; intermission; latency; postponement; recess; remission
Opposite Meaning: continuation

abundance (noun) /əˈbʌnd(ə)ns/
Definition: Having a plentiful and ample quantity of something, often in excess of what is needed or expected.
Example Sentence: "The river was teeming with an abundance of fish."
Synonyms: affluence; bounty; bundle; cornucopia; myriad; plentitude
Opposite Meaning: scarcity

accordance (noun) /əˈkɔr dns/
Definition: A state or condition of agreement, conformity, or harmony between two or more things.
Example Sentence: "The new regulations were implemented in accordance with government guidelines."
Synonyms: agreement; alignment; compliance; concordance; concurrence; conformity
Opposite Meaning: conflict

advance (verb) /ædˈvæns/
Definition: To move forward, progress or make progress, often in a purposeful or intentional manner.
Example Sentence: "The technology industry continues to advance at a rapid pace."
Synonyms: develop; elevate; evolve; forge; march; move
Opposite Meaning: retreat

allegiance (noun) /əˈliːdʒ(ə)ns/
Definition: The loyalty or commitment that a person or group has to a particular person, group, or cause.
Example Sentence: "The soldiers swore allegiance to their commander."
Synonyms: adherence; dedication; deference; devotion; duty; faithfulness
Opposite Meaning: betrayal

alliance (noun) /əˈlaɪ əns/
Definition: A formal or informal partnership or union formed between two or more individuals, groups, organizations, or nations to achieve a common goal or objective.
Example Sentence: "The two companies formed an alliance to expand their market reach."
Synonyms: affiliation; association; coalition; collaboration; compact; confederation
Opposite Meaning: rivalry

allowance (noun) /əˈlaʊ əns/
Definition: An allowance refers to a regular sum of money given to someone, often on a scheduled basis.
Example Sentence: "She receives a clothing allowance from her employer to maintain a professional appearance."
Synonyms: allocation; budget; dispensation; grant; perquisite; portion
Opposite Meaning: restriction

ambiance (noun) /ˈæm bi əns/
Definition: The overall atmosphere, mood, or character of a place, environment, or situation.
Example Sentence: "The soft music and dim lighting created a romantic ambiance in the restaurant."
Synonyms: atmosphere; aura; character; climate; environment; feel
Opposite Meaning: blandness

arrogance (noun) /ˈær ə gəns/
Definition: An exaggerated or inflated sense of self-importance or superiority.
Example Sentence: "His arrogance prevented him from accepting feedback or considering alternative viewpoints."
Synonyms: conceit; disdain; egotism; haughtiness; hubris; pomposity
Opposite Meaning: humility

askance (adverb) /əˈskans/
Definition: With a side glance or look that is given with suspicion, distrust, or disapproval.
Example Sentence: "She looked askance at the chicken feet that were floating in her soup."
Synonyms: contemptuously; disdainfully; distrustfully; doubtfully; dubiously; incredulously
Opposite Meaning: directly

assurance (noun) /əˈʃʊər əns/
Definition: A sense of confidence, certainty, or guarantee about something.
Example Sentence: "He spoke with assurance, confidently presenting his ideas to the audience."
Synonyms: certainty; confidence; conviction; faith; guarantee; pledge
Opposite Meaning: doubt

avoidance (noun) /əˈvɔɪd ns/
Definition: The act or practice of intentionally staying away from or evading someone, something, or a particular situation.
Example Sentence: "Avoidance of conflict often leads to unresolved issues and misunderstandings."
Synonyms: abstinence; circumvention; dodging; elusion; escape; evasion
Opposite Meaning: confrontation

balance (noun) /ˈbæl əns/
Definition: A state of equilibrium or stability achieved through equal distribution or harmonious arrangement.
Example Sentence: "Maintaining a work-life balance is essential for overall well-being."
Synonyms: composure; counterbalance; equality; equilibrium; equipoise; fairness
Opposite Meaning: imbalance

chance (verb) /tʃæns/
Definition: To take a risk or engage in an activity with an uncertain outcome or result.
Example Sentence: "He decided to chance a different career path, leaving behind his stable job."
Synonyms: dare; experiment; explore; gamble; hazard; risk
Opposite Meaning: avoid

cognizance (noun) /ˈkɒɡnɪzəns/
Definition: The state of being aware, knowledgeable, or conscious of something.
Example Sentence: "She lacked cognizance of the potential consequences of her actions."
Synonyms: apprehension; awareness; comprehension; consciousness; grasp; insight
Opposite Meaning: ignorance

comeuppance (noun) /kʌmˈʌp(ə)ns/
Definition: The deserved consequences or punishment that someone receives for their actions, especially when those actions are considered wrong or immoral.
Example Sentence: "The thief got his comeuppance when he was caught and sent to jail."
Synonyms: deserts; dues; penalty; recompense; reprisal; requital
Opposite Meaning: reward

conveyance (noun) /kənˈveɪ əns/
Definition: The means of transporting people or goods from one place to another.
Example Sentence: "The real estate agent handled the conveyance of the house sale."
Synonyms: carriage; delivery; freight; haulage; shipment; transfer
Opposite Meaning: immobility

countenance (noun) /ˈkaʊntɪnəns/
Definition: A sense of endorsement or agreement, often in the face of challenge or uncertainty.
Example Sentence: "The senator's countenance was crucial to getting the bill passed."
Synonyms: acceptance; approval; assistance; backing; blessing; consent
Opposite Meaning: oppose

defiance (noun) /dɪˈfʌɪəns/
Definition: The act of resisting or rejecting authority, control, or expectations.
Example Sentence: "The child's defiance of authority led to a punishment."
Synonyms: challenging; confrontation; contrariness; disobedience; dissent; insolence
Opposite Meaning: compliance

deliverance (noun) /dɪˈlɪv(ə)r(ə)ns/
Definition: The act of being rescued or freed from a difficult or dangerous situation.
Example Sentence: "The villagers prayed for deliverance from the plague."
Synonyms: acquittal; emancipation; freeing; liberation; recovery; redemption
Opposite Meaning: capture

dissonance (noun) /ˈdɪs(ə)nəns/
Definition: A state of tension, conflict, or incongruity between two or more things, such as ideas, emotions, or actions.
Example Sentence: "The conflicting interests caused dissonance in the negotiating process."
Synonyms: cacophony; conflict; disagreement; discord; discrepancy; disharmony
Opposite Meaning: harmony

disturbance (noun) /dɪˈstɜr bəns/
Definition: A state or condition of disruption, agitation, or interference with the normal functioning or peaceful nature of something.
Example Sentence: "The emotional disturbance experienced by the grieving family was evident in their tearful expressions."
Synonyms: agitation; commotion; disarray; discord; disruption; inconvenience
Opposite Meaning: peace

dominance (noun) /ˈdɒm ə nəns/
Definition: A state or condition of having control, authority, or power over others.
Example Sentence: "The lion asserted its dominance over the pride by roaring loudly."
Synonyms: ascendancy; authority; command; control; influence; leadership
Opposite Meaning: subservience

encumbrance (noun) /ɪnˈkʌmbr(ə)ns/
Definition: Something that restricts or hinders the free use or disposal of something.
Example Sentence: "The strict regulations were an encumbrance for the small business."
Synonyms: burden; handicap; hurdle; impediment; inconvenience; liability
Opposite Meaning: aid

enhance (verb) /ɛnˈhæns/
Definition: To improve, intensify, or increase the quality, value, or effectiveness of something.
Example Sentence: "Regular exercise can enhance your physical fitness and overall well-being."
Synonyms: amplify; augment; boost; elevate; enrich; heighten
Opposite Meaning: diminish

flamboyance (adjective) /flæmˈbɔɪ ənt/
Definition: Extravagant, showy, or strikingly bold in appearance, behavior, or style.
Example Sentence: "The flamboyance of the carnival costumes added to the festive atmosphere."
Synonyms: extravagance; exuberance; flair; flashiness; grandiosity; ostentation
Opposite Meaning: modesty

forbearance (noun) /fɔrˈbɛər əns/
Definition: The act or quality of exercising patience, self-control, and restraint, particularly in difficult or challenging situations.
Example Sentence: "The couple's relationship thrived because of their mutual forbearance and understanding."
Synonyms: control; clemency; composure; endurance; leniency; magnanimity
Opposite Meaning: impatience

grievance (noun) /ˈɡriːv(ə)ns/
Definition: A complaint or dissatisfaction that someone has about a particular situation or treatment.
Example Sentence: "The customer had a grievance with the company regarding a faulty product."
Synonyms: animosity; beef; complaint; criticism; displeasure; dissatisfaction
Opposite Meaning: satisfaction

guidance (noun) /ˈgaɪd ns/
Definition: The act or process of providing direction, advice, or assistance to someone in order to help them make informed decisions, navigate challenges, or achieve specific goals.
Example Sentence: "She relied on her parents' guidance when making important life decisions."
Synonyms: advice; assistance; coaching; counsel; counseling; direction
Opposite Meaning: neglect

happenstance (noun) /ˈhæpənˌstæns/
Definition: A chance or coincidence that occurs without any specific planning or intention.
Example Sentence: "Their meeting was a mere happenstance that led to a long-lasting friendship."
Synonyms: accident; circumstance; experience; fate; fluke; happening
Opposite Meaning: design

hindrance (noun) /ˈhɪn drəns/
Definition: An obstacle, barrier, or impediment that obstructs or slows down progress, development, or achievement of a goal.
Example Sentence: "The lack of funding proved to be a major hindrance to the project's completion."
Synonyms: barrier; complication; constraint; difficulty; hurdle; impediment
Opposite Meaning: aid

maintenance (noun) /ˈmeɪn tə nəns/
Definition: The act or process of preserving, repairing, and upkeeping something to ensure its proper functioning, usability, or appearance.
Example Sentence: "The building requires ongoing maintenance to keep it in good condition."
Synonyms: care; conservation; management; preservation; repair; safeguarding
Opposite Meaning: neglect

malfeasance (noun) /malˈfiːzns/
Definition: Committing a wrongdoing or an illegal activity while in a position of authority or trust.
Example Sentence: "The police officer's malfeasance was exposed when he was caught taking bribes."
Synonyms: corruption; criminality; dishonesty; fraud; illegality; impropriety
Opposite Meaning: honesty

nonchalance (noun) /ˌnɒn ʃəˈlɑns/
Definition: A state or quality of being unconcerned, indifferent, or appearing casual and relaxed in the face of circumstances that might typically evoke a stronger reaction.
Example Sentence: "He handled the criticism with a nonchalance that surprised his critics."
Synonyms: apathy; casualness; composure; coolness; detachment; ease
Opposite Meaning: concern

nuance (noun) /ˈnjuːɑːns/
Definition: Subtle, often slight differences or variations in meaning, expression, tone, or feeling within a particular context, statement, or situation.
Example Sentence: "He was able to capture the nuance of the city's culture in his photography."
Synonyms: delicacy; distinction; gradation; meaning; overtone; refinement
Opposite Meaning: blatant

nuisance (noun) /ˈnjuːsns/
Definition: An inconvenience or annoyance that is caused by a person, thing, or situation.
Example Sentence: "The potholes in the road were a nuisance to commuters."
Synonyms: bore; bother; hassle; irritant; irritation; pain
Opposite Meaning: convenience

ordinance (noun) /ˈɔːd(ɪ)nəns/
Definition: A type of law or regulation that is passed by a local government, such as a city or a county.
Example Sentence: "The city passed a new ordinance to ban smoking in public places."
Synonyms: canon; command; criterion; decree; dictum; direction
Opposite Meaning: suggestion

parlance (noun) /ˈpɑːl(ə)ns/
Definition: A particular way of speaking or using language within a certain group or culture.
Example Sentence: "He struggled to understand the parlance of the legal profession."
Synonyms: argot; dialect; jargon; language; lingo; patois
Opposite Meaning: silence

penance (noun) /ˈpɛnəns/
Definition: A good deed or self-punishment to show remorse and make up for one's wrongdoing.
Example Sentence: "The nun devoted herself to a life of penance and service to others."
Synonyms: absolution; atonement; contrition; expiation; penalty; propitiation
Opposite Meaning: indulgence

perseverance (noun) /ˌpɜr səˈvɪər əns/
Definition: The quality or act of persisting in the face of challenges, obstacles, or setbacks.
Example Sentence: "His success was a result of his unwavering perseverance in the face of countless obstacles."
Synonyms: determination; doggedness; endurance; fortitude; grit; patience
Opposite Meaning: apathy

piece-de-resistance (noun) /piːˌɛs də rɪˈzɪstɒ̃s/
Definition: French for "piece of resistance", referring to the most important or impressive feature of something.
Example Sentence: "The designer's pièce de résistance was the stunning wedding gown."
Synonyms: achievement; centerpiece; crowning; culmination; focal; glory
Opposite Meaning: failure

pittance (noun) /ˈpɪt(ə)ns/
Definition: A small or inadequate amount of money or resources, often considered to be insufficient or barely enough to meet basic needs.
Example Sentence: "The company offered a pittance for the employee's severance package."
Synonyms: crumb; dab; drop; mite; modicum; morsel
Opposite Meaning: fortune

prance (verb) /prɑːns/
Definition: To move in a lively, energetic and often playful manner, often with exaggerated steps and movements.
Example Sentence: "The peacock spread its feathers and began to prance in a display of beauty."
Synonyms: bound; caper; cavort; dance; frisk; gambol
Opposite Meaning: plod

predominance (noun) /prɪˈdɒm ə nəns/
Definition: The state or condition of being dominant, prevalent, or having superior influence or control over others.
Example Sentence: "The predominance of fast-food restaurants in the area has contributed to unhealthy his eating habits."
Synonyms: ascendancy; authority; command; control; dominance; hegemony
Opposite Meaning: inferiority

preponderance (noun) /priˈpɑndrəns/
Definition: The state or quality of being greater in number, quantity, or importance.
Example Sentence: "The preponderance of crime in the area raised concerns among local residents."
Synonyms: abundance; dominance; excess; extensiveness; majority; mass
Opposite Meaning: minority

protuberance (noun) /proʊˈtu bər əns/
Definition: A noticeable or prominent bulge, projection, or swelling that extends outward from a surface.
Example Sentence: "The doctor examined the patient's protuberance, suspecting it might be a benign growth."
Synonyms: bulge; bump; excrescence; gibbosity; hump; knob
Opposite Meaning: dent

provenance (noun) /ˈprɒvɪnəns/
Definition: The origin or history of an object, artwork, or historical artifact.
Example Sentence: "The antique dealer specializes in verifying the provenance of valuable items."
Synonyms: background; birthplace; derivation; genealogy; heritage; lineage
Opposite Meaning: end

radiance (noun) /ˈreɪ di əns/
Definition: A quality or state of emitting light, brightness, or glowing energy.
Example Sentence: "The newborn baby's face had a delicate radiance that filled the room with joy."
Synonyms: aura; brilliance; effulgence; gleam; glow; incandescence
Opposite Meaning: dullness

reconnaissance (noun) /rɪˈkɒnɪs(ə)ns/
Definition: The act of gathering information or intelligence about a particular area, group, or situation, often in preparation for some future action.
Example Sentence: "The reconnaissance mission uncovered valuable intelligence about the enemy's position."
Synonyms: espionage; exploration; investigation; observation; patrol; scouting
Opposite Meaning: ignorance

remittance (noun) /rɪˈmɪt(ə)ns/
Definition: A sum of money sent or transferred, typically from one individual or entity to another, often across geographical distances.
Example Sentence: "He sent a remittance to his family back home every month."
Synonyms: allowance; consideration; contribution; delivery; deposit; disbursement
Opposite Meaning: non-payment

renaissance (noun) /rɪˈneɪs(ə)ns/
Definition: A revitalization or revival of a particular aspect, idea, movement, or culture.
Example Sentence: "Country music is experiencing somewhat of a renaissance."
Synonyms: comeback; reappearance; reawakening; rebirth; reemergence; regeneration
Opposite Meaning: decline

repugnance (noun) /rɪˈpʌg nəns/
Definition: A strong feeling of disgust, aversion, or intense dislike towards something.
Example Sentence: "Despite her initial repugnance for the insect, she gradually started appreciating its beauty."
Synonyms: abhorrence; abomination; antipathy; aversion; detestation; disgust
Opposite Meaning: attraction

resistance (noun) /rɪˈzɪst(ə)ns/
Definition: The act of opposing or refusing to comply with a particular demand, rule, or authority.
Example Sentence: "The soldiers faced fierce resistance from the enemy forces."
Synonyms: aversion; contention; defiance; disobedience; hostility; impediment
Opposite Meaning: acquiescence

romance (noun) /roʊˈmæns/
Definition: A state or experience characterized by intense emotions, enchantment, and a sense of wonderment in the realm of affection and relationships.
Example Sentence: "They enjoyed a candlelit dinner, setting the stage for a night of romance."
Synonyms: adoration; affair; amorousness; ardor; attachment; courtship
Opposite Meaning: indifference

semblance (noun) /ˈsɛmbləns/
Definition: The outward appearance or perception of something, often in contrast to the reality or truth.
Example Sentence: "The old house bore little semblance to its former glory."
Synonyms: act; charade; disguise; façade; front; guise
Opposite Meaning: reality

severance (noun) /ˈsɛv(ə)r(ə)ns/
Definition: The act of separating or cutting off something from a larger whole.
Example Sentence: "The employee received a severance package after being laid off."
Synonyms: breach; breakup; divorce; estrangement; parting; rupture
Opposite Meaning: union

stance (noun) /stæns/
Definition: A person's or an entity's position, attitude, or viewpoint on a particular issue, topic, or matter.
Example Sentence: "The company's official stance was that they were not liable for the accident."
Synonyms: angle; approach; bearing; opinion; orientation; perspective
Opposite Meaning: indifference

sustenance (noun) /ˈsʌstɪnəns/
Definition: Food and drink that is necessary for maintaining life and health.
Example Sentence: "The hiker packed energy bars and water for sustenance during the long trek."
Synonyms: eatables; edibles; nourishment; provisions; refection; refreshments
Opposite Meaning: poison

temperance (noun) /ˈtɛmp(ə)r(ə)ns/
Definition: The practice of moderation or self-control, particularly in relation to pleasure and desires.
Example Sentence: "The monk lived a life of temperance, abstaining from worldly pleasures."
Synonyms: abstemiousness; abstinence; asceticism; continence; control; discipline
Opposite Meaning: excess

tolerance (noun) /tɒlərəns/
Definition: The willingness and ability to accept and respect differences, opinions, beliefs, or behaviors of others, especially when they differ from one's own.
Example Sentence: "Tolerance is a key principle in building a peaceful and inclusive society."
Synonyms: acceptance; forbearance; inclusivity; lenience; liberality; magnanimity
Opposite Meaning: intolerance

utterance (noun) /ˈʌt(ə)rəns/
Definition: The act of speaking, making vocal sounds, or expressing thoughts, ideas, or words through speech.
Example Sentence: "The company's official utterance on the matter was carefully worded."
Synonyms: announcement; articulation; assertion; comment; declaration; enunciation
Opposite Meaning: silence

vengeance (noun) /ˈvɛn dʒəns/
Definition: The act of inflicting harm, punishment, or retribution upon someone as a response to a perceived wrong or injustice.
Example Sentence: "Vengeance consumed his thoughts, driving him to seek revenge at any cost."
Synonyms: avengement; payback; punishment; reckoning; redress; reprisal
Opposite Meaning: forgiveness